Description

In this episode of Autistic Advocacy, Matt and Angela take on audience requests to break down the problematic and often misleading language of the DSM-5. They unpack how the manual pathologizes autism, overlooks key realities like proprioceptive challenges and co-occurring conditions, and frames autistic traits through a strictly neurotypical viewpoint. From dismantling ableist IQ testing to reframing so-called "deficits" as differences, this episode invites listeners to see autism for what it truly is—a rich, diverse neurotype, not a disorder to be “fixed.”

🎧 What You’ll Learn

• How the DSM-5 pathologizes autism and centres neurotypical perspectives.
• Why IQ tests are ableist and shouldn’t define diagnosis or worth.
• The truth about autistic “social deficits” and why they’re actually social differences.
• Why the DSM’s claim that autistic people “lack imagination” is deeply flawed.
• How SPINs (Special Interests) bring joy, fulfilment, and expertise—and why the DSM mislabels them.
• Why routines and stimming are powerful tools for autistic regulation.
• The overlooked sensory and proprioceptive realities of autistic life.
• How autism’s hereditary nature and medical overlaps (like POTS, PMDD, and endometriosis) are often ignored in clinical descriptions.

Resources:

https://www.mattlowrylpp.com/blog/reframing-dsm-autism-criteria

https://www.mattlowrylpp.com/meme-gallery

Related Episodes:

Bad Autism Diagnosis

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🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood.

🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris.

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